Diabetes can slow down the body's ability to fight infection. High blood glucose leads to high levels of sugar in your body tissues. When this happens, bacteria grow and infections can develop more quickly. Common sites of infection are your bladder, kidneys, vagina, gums, feet and skin. Early treatment of infections can prevent more serious complications.
Warning signs of infection
While most infections can be successfully treated, you must be able to
recognize an infection's symptoms for proper and effective care. Notify your
health care provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C)
- Sweats or chills
- Skin rash
- Pain, tenderness, redness or swelling
- Wound or cut that won't heal
- Red, warm or draining sore
- Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
- Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones
- Persistent dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days
- White patches in your mouth or on your tongue
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy"
- Vaginal itching
- Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination
- Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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